Djokovic rushes back for country

It may be only a matter of days since Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic in the US Open final, but the Serb is planning to be back on the court competing before the end of the week.

The new world number two lost in a rain-interrupted final 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-2 to the Spaniard at Flushing Meadows on Monday night and is now set to lead Serbia in their Davis Cup semi-final.

They face the Czech Republic, with the singles matches starting on Friday, as they look to make it to the final of the competition for the first time, although the tennis odds suggest they could struggle.

Djokovic admits he is feeling drained after the loss to Nadal, but it is not the first time this season he has rushed back from a Grand Slam tournament to compete in the Davis Cup.

Earlier this summer, he lined up for Serbia against Croatia only days after he was knocked out of Wimbledon at the semi-final stage.
He has said that was a "tough couple of weeks" but he is "physically fit" and managed to do it then, so he should have no problems against the Czech Republic.

Speaking about this clash, he added: "It's one of the crucial matches, semi-finals for the first time.

"I hear that back in our country there is a lot of interest."

According to the Davis Cup odds, Spain should take the title but the Czechs could still cause an upset.

France take on Argentina in the other Davis Cup semi-final and are expected to have Michael Llodra, Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon as their team as Jo-Wilfred Tsonga is out injured.